Jan May

Today's Christmas decoration is a little snowman.  I've had the "Crafting Christmas Gifts" book by Tilda for a long time, and have never made anything from it.  It's very simple to do, and I'm now tempted to do the larger ones as shown on the cover of the book. Mine's just a little baby.  I made mine in white felt, and it works. As it is tiny, the thick felt was a bit tricky to turn.  Still quick to do, though in retrospect it would have been easier to use an ordinary cotton or linen.  No idea what I shall do with this one.  If I add a hanger for the tree it will look like he's been lynched.  Perhaps do another two and stick them in those tiny ceramic pots to go on a shelf? I can't share the pattern for this little make, as it's not my own.  Even if you're not a Tilda fan (like what I am), if you love all things Christmas, you will adore this book.  It's quite an old book now, but if you haven't come across it, all the mak

Another day, another decoration.   This time a cheery gingham tree.... complete with felt heart, ric-rac hanger and star button topper.   I like the way this has turned out, but it took a lot longer than yesterday's Shabby Heart decoration.  In fact, and bearing in mind it's the same size - it took as long to make one of these as all of the others. Do I want to make another 5 of them?  erm..... don't know!  It may be a one off.   Despite being fiddly, it was still an easy make.   Fancy making one of your own?  Here's what to do.... You'll need a small scrap of check fabric.  I've used (yet again) a piece cut from a sleeve of one of hubby's old shirts.  It's a brushed cotton, and extremely well washed. I drew a vague looking Christmas tree on a piece of card, and used it as my template.  Folding my fabric with right sides together, I drew around the template to give me my sewing line.  I then machined all the way around using a small

I'm determined to make some Christmas decorations this year.  Now..... I'm the least Christmassy person I know, but this year we are likely to be in a new home, in a new part of the Country (note to self) so I AM GOING TO MAKE AN EFFORT! I'm thinking a shabby country theme, with a hint of red and blue.  I've started off by making some tinkly little tree hearts.  I'm rather pleased with how they've turned out. So simple to make - only takes scraps - and you can run one up in 5 minutes.  Promise.  I timed myself, and though it took me over a minute and a half to thread the ribbon through the tinkerbell, the rest is a whizz. Now.....  I know that nearly everyone who reads this will see instantly how to make them.  But.... just in case you are new to sewing.... this is what I did..... Start off by drawing a heart on a piece of card to make a template.   You will need 4 squares of fabric for each heart, so simply lay heart on top and cut a rough square.